Advancing Women’s Empowerment in a Transforming Guyana

Today we observe “International Women’s Day 2026” under the United Nations theme of “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL women and girls.” As Guyana joins the international community in this observance, it is both fitting and necessary to recognise the important strides that have been made in advancing gender equality while reaffirming the commitment to ensuring that every woman and girl benefits from the country’s ongoing transformation.
Women have always been central to Guyana’s national development. From education and healthcare to agriculture, entrepreneurship and public service, generations of Guyanese women have played vital roles in building communities and strengthening the nation’s social fabric. Today, as Guyana experiences unprecedented economic growth, the contributions of women are becoming even more visible and increasingly recognised at the policy level.
Recent years have seen deliberate investments aimed at empowering women economically and socially. One of the most significant initiatives has been the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN), which has trained more than 90,000 women across Guyana in entrepreneurship, information and communication technology, garment construction, hospitality, and other income-generating skills. These programmes have helped many women establish small businesses, expand household incomes, and gain greater financial independence.
Beyond skills training, targeted financial support continues to open doors for women entrepreneurs. In 2025, dozens of women benefitted from small business grants of approximately $300,000 each through government-supported empowerment programmes designed to help women launch or expand their enterprises. Such initiatives demonstrate the tangible impact of policies that place women at the centre of economic participation.
Guyana’s progress is also being recognised internationally. According to the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Gender Gap Report, Guyana now ranks 31st out of 148 countries, reflecting improvements in women’s participation in the workforce, education, and access to opportunities. The country also ranks among the top globally for women’s health and survival indicators.
Economic empowerment has also been reinforced through housing and asset ownership. Government data indicate that more than 60 per cent of housing titles distributed through national housing programmes are registered in women’s names, helping to improve financial security and strengthen women’s role in household decision-making.
Education remains another pillar of empowerment. With the expansion of scholarships and free tertiary education opportunities, women continue to dominate participation in higher education, accounting for roughly 72 per cent of scholarship recipients in recent national programmes. These investments are helping to prepare more young women for careers in emerging sectors such as science, technology, engineering, and energy. Ensuring women’s participation in leadership roles across the economy – including in the rapidly expanding oil and gas sector – remains a critical objective.
Yet, even with these encouraging developments, the work of building a fully equitable society is ongoing. Gender-based violence remains a challenge that requires sustained attention. At the national level, the government has continued to strengthen policies aimed at protecting women and promoting equality. The passage of the Family Violence Act in 2024 has introduced stronger legal protections for survivors of domestic abuse, while initiatives such as the Hope and Justice Centres, the 914-emergency hotline, and digital reporting platforms have expanded access to support services for victims of gender-based violence. But we note with consternation the continuing sexual attacks on our women and girls and join in the demands for urgent justice and action in this area. It is clear that there is a gap between the policies and programmes of the government and their implementation.
International Women’s Day therefore serves not only as a celebration of progress but also as a reminder that gender equality must remain a national priority. As Guyana continues its historic economic transformation, inclusive policies and sustained investment in women’s empowerment will be essential to ensuring that development benefits every citizen.
When women are empowered – through education, entrepreneurship, safety, and leadership opportunities – families grow stronger, communities become more resilient, and the nation moves forward with greater confidence.
On this International Women’s Day, Guyana can take pride in the progress achieved while renewing its commitment to ensuring that women remain equal partners in shaping the country’s future.